- Is selling really as stressful as everyone says?
In short, it shouldn’t be. Choosing your agent carefully will help. Your agent needs to share an understanding of your requirements and time scales. A good agent with experience will recognise the fact that introducing a buyer is only the start of the process. An agent should be there to manage your whole move, including liaising with other parties involved in your chain such as solicitors, mortgage companies and other agents. Of course, your interests should be best represented at all times.
If your agent provides an after sales service, qualifies the buyer's financial status and chain details at the outset, and maintains good contact once a sale is agreed, this will certainly go a long way to reducing the stress.
At Pinkerton Murray, we have qualified and experienced staff that are well trained to deal with all of this for you.
Back to top- How much will it cost to sell my property?
The costs involved in selling your property consist of:
Estate Agent Registration & Marketing Fees
Registration and marketing fees are paid for upon instruction and prior to any marketing commencing. These usually are a fixed price + VAT.
Estate Agent Commission
Commission fees become payable once your estate agent sells your property and contracts are signed. This is charged as a percentage of the sale price + VAT.
Energy Performance Certificate
It is a legal requirement to have commissioned an EPC before marketing can commence. Pinkerton Murray can organise this legally required document on your behalf.
Legal fees for the conveyancing process
These vary depending on the solicitor you choose and are payable directly to the solicitor.
Back to top- How do I know the true value of my home?
The property market is exactly that - a market. Therefore, there is no secret formula to value properties; however there are some hard and safe rules to follow when pricing your home.
Firstly, don't simply chose the estate agent quoting the highest price as some agents may deliberately inflate the asking price simply to secure your business. Conversely, you must be aware of agents who under value your home as they could be looking for a quick commission!
A good agent will provide you with comparable evidence of similar properties sold and those that are for sale to help you agree a marketing price.
Back to top- How can I achieve the best price for my home?
This is an area where both the seller and agent need to work very closely together. As a vendor, it is important to present your home in the best possible light. To do this, de-clutter and depersonalise your home and remember that first impressions count. Make sure the front garden, front door and entrance hall all look as tidy and spacious as possible. Put away, or store anything not used on a daily basis and clear kitchen work surfaces.
Do your research and make sure that you appoint an agent who is going to achieve the best results on your behalf. Look for an agency that has an up-to-date user friendly website that’s going to be the ideal location to showcase your property online in detail and at a high standard. As well as good online presence, agents should have regular high visibility local advertising and an inviting office environment.
Remember, the more people who see high quality information about your home gives the best chance of it achieving the best price.
Back to top- Should I sell first, or find first?
A lot of people are unsure as to the right answer to this! It is however very straight forward. If you wish to save money, and stress, you must look to find a buyer for your own property before identifying your next home.
If you don’t you will always run the risk of negotiating from a position of weakness. Not being in a ‘position to proceed’, it is likely that to be taken seriously, you will have to offer the asking price on the property you wish to purchase. Similarly, finding a buyer for your own home will become a major priority and as such, you may be tempted to take a lower offer just to get things moving.
Experienced estate agents have seen thousands of pounds lost in this manner and we would certainly advise against finding first if you are dependent on selling a property.
At Pinkerton Murray, we would be very pleased to give you personal advice relating to your own circumstances.
Back to top- Do I have to put a For Sale Board outside my property?
At Pinkerton Murray, we highly recommend that you highlight the fact that your property is for sale with a board outside. We understand that in some circumstances, sellers prefer not to have a board but we would point out that statistics show that properties usually generate around 30% more interest and a quicker sale when a board is used to advertise the sale.
Back to top- Should I be at home when buyers are viewing my property?
We are happy to conduct viewings unaccompanied. We find that often buyers feel more relaxed to view a property in detail and give us valuable feedback if the homeowner is not present. However, we do understand the important contribution that homeowners can make during the viewing process and we will always welcome your assistance if you decide you wish to be involved. In both instances, your Pinkerton Murray property consultant will have spent time with you in advance of viewings and toured the property with you to ensure that we are fully equipped to successfully sell your home.
Back to top- I have received an offer on my property, what factors should I consider before I accept the offer?
The most important factor to consider is whether the buyer is in a position to move forward immediately or whether they are, for example waiting for their own property to sell before they can proceed. Pinkerton Murray will be able to accurately advise you on the situation at the time and outline your options.
Back to top- What if my buyer needs a mortgage?
This should not cause any concern to you as a seller, providing that your estate agent has done their job and qualified the buyer's finances first.
Good estate agents often offer mortgage advice in addition to other services as this will enable them to identify your buyer's suitability to proceed and advise you on this accordingly. This service will also be available to you.
Remember our advisor will be able to, unlike many banks and building societies, offer advice on all mortgage providers and products.
Back to top- How do I find a good solicitor?
We work with a number of local solicitors in the North Down area and will be delighted to make you a recommendation.
Back to top- When should I instruct my solicitor?
The earlier the better. Ultimately, you don't need to instruct a solicitor until you have found a buyer/property. However, by instructing your solicitor as soon as you decide to buy or sell could well save time.
When you place your property on the market, your solicitor can often get paperwork in hand so that the contracts can be sent out just as soon as you have secured a sale.
Back to top- Should I stop future marketing of my own home when I have agreed a sale?
In most cases it would be considered appropriate to do so, although this is a personal decision.
The decision to suspend marketing should be taking into account all information relating to your buyers position. i.e. are they under offer with a complete chain? Has your estate agent been able to financially qualify your buyer? Can the buyers move within your required time scale?
While the above information should be used, it is important to understand that even with this knowledge, there is no guarantee that the sale will proceed to a satisfactory conclusion.
Back to top- Can I make an offer on a property before I have sold my own?
Yes, it is possible to make an offer on a property before you have sold your own as you have to begin somewhere, though bear in mind that you may not be in the strongest position to negotiate.
Back to top- Do I have to pay Stamp Duty?
No, the buyer is responsible for paying Stamp Duty.
Back to top- When do I have to move out?
On the completion date, which is mutually agreed by yourself and the buyer.
Back to top- Do I have to pay Capital Gains Tax on the property?
If you are selling a property that is your main home, you won't have to pay tax on it as long as you satisfy certain conditions. However, if you are selling a property that is not your main home, it is likely you may have to pay Capital Gains Tax.
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